sqskybed

I'm planning a trip to Asia this Christmas. I really want an escape holiday, with a lovely beach and nice hotel. I've selected the following resorts:
1. The Datai-Langkawi
2. The Legian-Bali
3. The Oberoi-Bali, Lombok
4. Evason Hideaway-Koh Samui

I really don't know which hotel is the best, and which place is the nicest. I want some culture, a nice beach and friendly people. Can you help me out?

Cicerone

Bali and Lombok are farily rainy in December, I would avoid them if you are looking for a beach holiday. If you do decide to go, I would choose Bali over Lombok by a wide margin. Unless you are a diver or stay at the Amanwana, Lombok is not worth the trip, IMO. (Despite what the travel agents may say, Lombok is NOT what Bali was 20 years ago, first of all Lombok is Muslim not Hindu, and second of all Lombok is not as lushy tropical as Bali.) I was in Bali 20 years ago and Lombok is nothing like Bali was then.

I don't know the Evason but I generally like their hotels. I have already given you my opinion in another post on Langkawi, but if you do decide to go there, I would choose the Datai.

Kathie

It really depends on what you are looking for. If you want a good dose of culture in addition to beach, Bali is probably the place for you. I've been to Bali in the rainy December, and I found the brief periods of intense rains did not impair my enjoyment of Bali at all.

If you want quiet, I'd say Lombok. It is different from Bali, but is an interesting island in it's own right.

Craig

If you want a lovely or nice beach then Bali probably isn't your place. The Legian is located on one of Bali's best beaches but you can do better elsewhere.

Sameera_Anand

Agree with others. Bali and specifically the Legian is not a great beach - I love the hotel esp the Club at the Lagian but not a great beach getaway. Bali is an AMAZING holiday experience - spas, eating out, culture, mountains (Ubud) but not beach. Langkawi - the Datai is gorgeous and amazing beach. In Langkawi tanjhung Rhu also amazing.

marmot

I'm very fond of the Legian, Bali although I agree that the beach is not idyllic. It's a great beach for walking (it goes on for miles and miles) and a great beach for sunset watching (or just staring out to sea) but the surf is a bit rough unless you're a hardy swimmer. The hotel is lovely -- one of the best run and most aesthetically focused in Asia. The surrounding area is very trendy now which is both good and bad, but there are several excellent restaurants within walking distance. I've stayed there maybe 25 times and have never been disappointed.

The Oberoi-Bali is about 100 yards away from the Legian, so same beach, same neighborhood but property is older and shows its age.

I've stayed at the Oberoi in Lombok several times. It's very beautiful with a fine beach; however it is also very isolated. If you intend to stay at the resort, the isolation is fine; however, if you want to get out and about, I agree fully: Lombok is NOT Bali.

I wouldn't worry too much about the rain. Indonesia's a tropical country and yet it rains, but the sun comes out soon often with rainbows.